09 17 26 Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole meeting held on September 17, 2026, included a detailed presentation and discussion about the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), a private nonprofit organization serving child victims of sexual and physical abuse in the county. Key speakers, including the prosecuting attorney, sheriff, CAC director, and forensic interviewer, highlighted the CAC's multidisciplinary approach, child-friendly facilities, and critical services such as forensic interviews, family advocacy, therapy, and prevention programs in schools. The discussion emphasized the importance of stable funding to maintain these services, noting a current budget deficit due to declining federal VOCA funding and reduced United Way contributions. The CAC has relied on county funding through the prosecutor's office since 2007, but no increase has occurred since 2017, leading to a shortfall for the remainder of 2026. County officials acknowledged the vital role of the CAC in supporting law enforcement and the judicial system, and there was consensus on the need to explore additional funding sources, including philanthropic and grant opportunities, to sustain the center's operations and staff.